The euphoria and hype around tech products are typically reserved for high-profile releases from Apple and Google. But ever since Microsoft introduced Windows 11 a few weeks before, there was exhilaration not usually seen for a brand-new operating system launch of this level in a long time.

Windows 11 — the first main update to Microsoft’s desktop OS in six years — can be had this vacation season as a free download for present Windows 10 PC owners. The remodeled computer operating system consists of an entire makeover that’s been due for years; from a redesigned Start menu and higher integration together along with your phone to a brand new app shop that gives get entry to each Windows and Android app.

As a part of Windows 11, the Start menu and app tray at the moment are targeted at the computer, just like the ChromeOS launcher. Live Tiles do not exist and are changed with simplified icons.

The new Start menu lets you to quickly see pinned apps, even as it additionally indicates a recommended phase based on the files you’ve currently opened and different programs. Meanwhile, there’s a search bar embedded in the app tray so locating apps and files is easy. For a person who hasn’t used both ChromeOS and macOS, it would take time to conform to the brand new layout change.

The new File Explorer has additionally been given an overhaul. It features an easy and simplified interface. It continues to be the equal File Explorer that any new user will be acquainted with. Gone is the vintage ribbon interface that was brought with Windows 8, and changed with a modern “header” menu and new icons. The context menu has been redesigned and their appearance is much less cluttered than the vintage context menus. A single row of icons offers access to features like cut, paste, copy, rename, share, and delete, even as there’s a “new” button for developing a brand new folder or file.

In Windows 11, the Settings app has been given a 360-degree change. Not simplest is the settings app visually attractive; however navigating unique sections has additionally been simplified. The settings menu indicates your PC on the top, with data on call and model, along with the reputation on Windows replace and in case you are signed in to OneDrive. The proper aspect of the brand new format is that every class is indexed with its call and the subcategories that may be located inside it.

As rumors had indicated, a floating and targeted Start Menu and targeted Taskbar are the 2 most major new updates in Windows 11. They supply Windows with a drastic new sense, each ditching Live Tiles and adopting a greater touch-pleasant layout. Instead of Live Tiles, you’ve got general icons that hyperlink in your apps and that you may “pin” at your convenience.

Under your icons, you’ll discover a listing of protected files and documents powered via OneDrive or the documents you navigate to the maximum of your device. This is one of the largest adjustments to the Start Menu because Windows 10 changed. All of those capabilities are powered by means of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft’s cloud; however, you must nonetheless see your neighborhood files, too.

Animations for the duration of Windows 11 have additionally been up to date to appear cleaner and sense greater natural. This is exceptionally visible while you click on the Start Menu itself or decrease and near windows. The animations’ appearance and sense are fluid, now no longer in contrast to what you see on cell running systems.

Like vintage-faculty Windows Vista, Windows 11 brings lower back a brand new “widgets” phase. The widgets feature a chunk because of the News and Interests characteristic in Windows 10. Click the icon of the widget in the taskbar, and you’ll see matters just like the weather, top information stories, stocks, sports activities scores, and more.

Microsoft says widgets are powered by means of a synthetic intelligence serving you curated content material. You can select subjects you need to live updated on, assist neighborhood content material creators by giving them a tip proper in the feed, and additionally rearrange widgets however you need.

Another large characteristic of Windows 11 is the brand new Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store has gotten a large boost. In Windows eleven, you’ll be capable of running Android apps through the Amazon App Store. Apps will run natively, without the need for a phone, and you may drag them around and pin them in your taskbar or Start Menu. Microsoft showcased TikTok walking in Windows 11, however, it’s now no longer clean whilst the characteristic will come to PCs simply yet. Intel collaborated collectively with Microsoft on this, through Intel’s bridge technology.

Other than Android apps in the shop, Microsoft additionally noted a few updates on the Windows aspect of matters. You’ll be capable of discovering Win32, UWP, and PWA apps in the shop, consisting of apps like Google Chrome. Disney+ and the Adobe Creative Cloud suites were examples Microsoft mentioned.

Microsoft even took a shot at Apple. The agency noted that apps at the Microsoft Store will have their very own trade engine in which builders can take domestic all of the sales without Microsoft taking its very own cut.

Skype is now on its way out, and in Windows 11, Microsoft goes all-in on Teams. The running machine has a brand new Chat app. With it, you’ll be capable of faucet the icon and leap properly into chat and video calls with Teams. When you click on it, you may see your latest contacts and conversations.

There are alternatives to begin a brand new video or chat, at the side of a choice to release the app for the entire revel in. This chat app can even assist you to hook up with humans on different platforms. According to Microsoft, if the individual you’re talking to didn’t use Teams, you may join through two-manner SMS.

There also are adjustments to touch level in Windows 11. The devoted pill mode from Windows 10 is now long past entirely, and Microsoft has changed it with gestures and different capabilities.

Finally, Microsoft introduced updates for gaming on Windows 11. The updates are targeted at “advanced photos, exceptional speed, and a massive choice of video games.”

Included in this is Auto HDR so that it will replace the color and appearance of video games to lead them to appear greater lifelike. No adjustments are required to your stop or via means of builders, and it’ll all be automated in video games like Skyrim. Also protected is Direct Storage. With this characteristic, which is similar to Xbox Series X and S, video games will load from the photos card without stressing the computer’s processor. It must suggest quicker load times.